“Pilipinas Kong Mahal”

vince tanada: brings back the spirit of being a TRUE FILIPINO via his plays. (photo: trixie dauz)vince in a torturous scene from “filipinas: 1941” (photo by: vino oriarte)

“FOR VINCE TANADA AND THE PHILIPPINE STAGERS FOUNDATION, THE BEST IS YET TO COME!!!”

(by robert manuguid silverio)

The final last performance last Saturday, March 28, of “Filipinas: 1941” held at Adamson University’s theater hall was truly dramatic and emotional for the play’s creator, Mr. Vince Tanada. with more than 300 performances on its whole-year theater run (that included shows in Zamboanga city, Vigan city, Bacolod city, Cabanatuan, Bataan, and many other provinces and schools- aside from SM North Edsa, SM centerpoint, Tanghalang Pasigueno & St. Scholastica’s College’s special regular runs), the musical play is one of the most successful musical plays with many extended runs to date. Indeed, it brought back to us the sacrifices made by many Filipinos at a time of sorrows and great violence inflicted upon us by the foreign invaders. That year was “1941”.“I am so awed”, veteran film maker Ed Palmos told a blogger as he watched the final performance of the majestic play. “The production is at par with Broadway musical standards, the direction is next to perfection! Even the bit players acted-out with great intensity and power at the background, and the story brought back in me the spirit of true Filipino Nationalism. This kind of play is the one that must be staged at Cultural Center of the Philippines! Truly, it must be! Because everything is in there- the music, the dance, the Patriotism, the grandeur! It’s an amazing play!”During its final performance at the Adamson University theater hall, V.I.P. people from the theater and arts scene watched. It included Ms. Cecille Guidote-Alvarez of NCCA, literary icon Joe Lad Santos, theater pioneer Mr. Frank Rivera, indie film director Emmanuel dela Cruz, and many other distinguished personalities from different fields.Also present were movie scribes Julio Cinco Nigado, Art Tapalla, Evo Joel Contrivida, Alwyn Ignacio, Arnel Ramos, Alex Brosas, George Vail Kabristante, plus many more bloggers and media men. Miss Trixie Dauz, from Pep.Ph and photographer Vino Oriarte were the most visible media friends of Vince who were also present that day.At the final cast party for the play which was celebrated at Bar 157 in Malate, many of the Stagers of Philippine Stagers Foundation cried as they made brief speeches- among them were Oj Abines Bacor, Arnold Gamier and JP Lopez.Vince “The Man” Tanada was also so emotional at the party, and he whispered to a friend-blogger his great sadness over his dad’s sickness and how his dad did his best to stand-up in his hospital bed just to see him. Vince’s tears flowed afterwards as he embraced his blogger-friend.“My Stagers needs me, I must always be with them, too”, Vince also said afterwards.The loyal fans of PSF and Vince also attended the final cast party for the play, among them were Pamela Rose Poral Locillo and Rutchel Leonor.It’s the first time that director Ed Palmos stayed all throughout a party after more than 30 years. It was because he truly felt comfortable with Vince’s staff and cast.FOR VINCE TANADA AND THE STAGERS, WE CAN SAY BY NOW- THAT THE BEST IS YET TO COME!Welcome to the next theater season coming-up for Philippine Stagers Foundation!

(words by robert manuguid silverio, with photos by ms. trixie dauz and mr. vino oriarte)

The very minute that lead actor Audie Gemora stood there alone, finally, in one of the most significant scenes in the musical play La Cage Aux Folles, and he sang the song “I Am What I Am”, we knew that what we saw was not simply ordinary but a thing that would last forever.

It was the most shining moment of all. And the real wonder at that. Looking at one great theater performer who transformed himself into an all-out transgender, was, indeed, awesome. Candid. Wonderful.

It was a revelation, that whether you are gay or not, black or white, straight or curved, one individual has got the right to be HIMSELF. And this is the real beauty of the play La Cage Aux Folles.

Gays, Transgenders, Bisexuals, Lesbians, or the likes, may look outrageous, abnormal and hilarious- but deep within them are hearts of gold and love, hearts of caring and sympathy, hearts of concern and guidance.

As we watched this truly unforgettable play together with a veteran female celebrity and radio icon in person of Ms. Tessie Lagman, we just assured ourselves that local theater productions are now “at par” with Broadway musical standards. Just minus the hi-tech efficiency of original Broadway productions, Filipino performing artists can compete- with greater angst and power, wonder and delivery.

Kudos for director Robbie Guevara, he finely crafted the direction of this delicate play that dealt with the lives of two gay couple with a dashing son who proved in the end that he was never ashamed of having gay parents. What a redemption.

As they were circled-in with odd characters of gay impersonators and performers of the La Cage Aux Folles club, every minute you’d laugh, every single second you’d feel breathless and every hour, you’d see the more happier side of life, alongside the complications, that everything went well in the end.

A very fine and unique adaptation of the classic film turned into a Broadway musical genre.

The costumes were fabulous, colorful and classy, designed by Mio Infante with the participation of the the members of the FDAP (Filipino Designers Association of the Philippines) which helped a lot in putting more colors and life upon the musical play.

The musical direction of Joseph Tolentino and Sweet Plantado-Tionson was surely fantastic!

In this play, we were amazed by the great transformation of GMA-7 young star in person of Steven Silva. He acted-out his scenes with precision, great timing and own originality. Steven, we can say by now, is one fine young theater actor.

Rafa Siguion-Reyna was amazing! Truly amazing! As one the “La Cagelettes”, he was so poised, graceful and flirty. Oh, my.

Noel Rayos as “the maid” was scene-stealing and so funny.

And all the rest of the supporting cast were truly WONDERFUL.

But in the end, two people made this play TRULY GREAT.

Mr. Michael de Mesa and Audie Gemora.

Real men as the are, they captured the sensitivity and the soul of being homosexuals. They didn’t over-act, they didn’t outshine each other- but rather, their harmony and chemistry as the gay couple in this play astounded everyone. Very, very powerful performances with the both. A standing ovation!